Tips For Traveling With Kids

by Kristina Thiex July 21, 2023

Are you going on a family trip, but worried about keeping your tiny travelers happy and entertained along the way? Are you looking for alternatives to endless screen time? My children are grown now, but I've picked up a few tricks over the years to make traveling with kids easy and fun!

Giftwrap Some New Toys Or Games To Open On The Trip This tip is one that I remember loving from my own childhood, and it worked for my children as well. If your family is taking a long car ride or trip on a plane, it can help make the time pass faster to have a bag of items that are new to the child to open along the way. I purchased small things for the children to play with, non-messy art supplies, or books to look at. I then wrapped them up, so they were surprises (this makes it more FUN), and brought them along on the trip. Here are some ideas found on Amazon:

- Travel Tanagram Puzzle Book - This book is magnetic and perfect for the car or plane. It contains 360 different puzzles to try with the 7 magnetic shaped pieces. It is small enough to take along with you at around 6" x 6" dimensions, and only weighs 7.4 oz. For children ages 3+
I Spy Travel Card Game - This game can be played with the whole family, but it can also be played by one individual child. This seek-and-find card game will keep children entertained and appreciating the scenery on a car ride, while they try to spot the items on their card. For children ages 4+
"Search & Find" Dry Erase Activity Mats - These reusable mats are fun and educational, comes with six different mats, two dry erase markers, duster cloth, and an achievement certificate. Along with "Search & Find," there are many other types, like "I Can Draw" and "Interactive Stories." For children ages 3 - 6
LCD Drawing Tablet - I owned an etch-a-sketch, my kids had an updated version of something similar. Now there is a modern LCD Drawing Tablet has a one-push erase button and a bright colorful screen. It's screen is also waterproof and anti-fall. Etch-A-Sketch also makes a new version of their toy, the Etch A Sketch Freestyle. For children ages 3 - 8
Flipslide Handheld Electronic Game - Kids can take this game anywhere and love the challenge of flipping, sliding, and matching the colors to beat the clock! For children ages 8+
Mad Libs on the Road - Create funny stories as a group or by yourself with Mad Libs fill in the blank books. This particular Mad Libs book is travel themed, ready for your adventure. For children 8+ There is also Travel Far and Mad Libs & Vacation Fun Mad Libs.
Difficult Riddles For Smart Kids - A book of family fun riddles for hours of entertainment. For children ages 8 -12
The 50 States Book - This hardcover book is full of fun facts and charming maps for kids. They can learn about the places they are going. For grades 2 - 5 Or, how about this 50 State Activity and Sticker Book ?

Play Travel Games These games are fun to play on short and long drives. Here are a few of my favorites:

The ABC Game - This game is fun for the whole family. There are different ways to play, but here is how I play. Look at signs, billboards, and license plates as you drive. The first person tries to find the letter "A". When they are successful, the next person tries to find the letter "B", and so on. Try to finish the alphabet before you reach your destination.
My Grandmother's Suitcase - This is a memory game. Here's how it goes... The first person says, "In my Grandma's suitcase, I packed a (and then lists any object)." The next person says, "In my Grandma's suitcase, I packed..." and then list any object, along with the object the person before them said. This continues and list list keeps growing and growing. When someone messes up the list or forgets an item, they are out. The game continues until only one person is left and they are the winner!
License Place Game - This road trip game takes a long time, and can sometimes continue throughout your vacation. Keep track of the states you see on license plates as you drive and in parking lots. See how many of the 50 states your family can cross off the list on your trip.
Guess What Kind Of Vehicle Is Coming - The one is pretty self-explanatory. Everyone can make a prediction for oncoming traffic to see who is the best guesser. This works better on roads that aren't super busy.

Bring Their Favorite Blanket, Pillow, and/or Stuffed Animal - Even if space is tight, it pays to let kids bring their favorite blanket, pillow, and/or stuffed animal. They will sleep better and be happier!
Let the Kids Help Plan The Trip - When we involve kids in the planning part of the trip, it can help them to be more invested. It also helps them practice skills like reading maps and making lists. Print off a map, and take a look at it with your child. Discuss the route that you are taking and what things you will be traveling by. If your child is old enough, they could help research what the weather will be like, what type of attractions are near where you are going, and where to eat.
Create a Travel Schedule Board - A schedule board can really help children grasp the schedule of your trip and what to expect next. A simple schedule board could be made by printing pictures of the places you will be going, landmarks, or city signs off the internet onto cardstock and taping them or velcroing them onto a file folder. As you visit each place, it gets put into the folder. If the route changes mid-trip, you can stop and rearrange the pictures.
Plan Stops For Exercise - You may want to push on through to get to your destination as fast as possible, but getting out of the car to stretch your legs is important. Whether it's a park or a restaurant, everyone will feel better after getting some exercise.
Playlists and Podcasts - Make a fun playlist to listen to with all your family's favorite songs. When you need a break from the music, try a podcast. There are podcasts of all kinds, ones that will make you laugh, ones that teach you something, & ones that have stories to listen to. The possibilities are endless. Here are some family-friendly ones: The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd, Stuff You Missed In History Class, Brains On!, Ear Snacks, Story Pirates, and Storynory.
If You Are Flying - Booking an early morning flight gives you a better chance of your flight not getting delayed. Bring gum to chew during take off and landing to avoid popping ears. Dress in layers to be ready for any temperature on the plane. Wear easy off-and-on shoes. Bring snacks.

I hope these tips will help you and your kids have a fantastic trip! This blog contains Amazon Affiliate links, these links don't cost you anything to use but help my blog.

I am a travel advisor. If you or someone you know would like help planning a trip, contact me at: Kristina@wanderfuladventurestravel.com